As 2012 comes to a close, some Arizona politicos have reached new heights of prominence and power. Others saw once-promising careers hit the wall.

Jeff Flake and Kyrsten Sinema gained influence and stature in the nation’s capital, while Andy Biggs reached the pinnacle of power in the Arizona Senate.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Russell Pearce and his successor, Sen. Steve Pierce, fell from grace, while a slew of Republican candidates once again failed in their bids to reach the halls of Congress.

The outcome of southern Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District back-and-forth campaign for the lead between Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Barber and Republican challenger Martha McSally will decide whether Arizona chooses a Democratic or Republican congressional majority.

Today, a full six days after the election, the race had still not been called for either candidate. Barber was leading by 698 votes, or about .25 percentage points.